WA Police have launched an appeal for information into an ATM explosion in Halls Head which could have seriously injured a nearby business owner.
The arson attack happened on March 24 at the Halls Head Shopping Centre with a store owner just metres from the blast at the time.
"A small business owner was going about his business just a few doors away from the ATM," detective sergeant Wayne Davies said.
"He could have been seriously injured or killed, as could the offenders or anyone who happened to walk past at the wrong time."
It is alleged security cameras at the nearby BP service station on Peelwood Parade captured a man about 3am on the morning of the incident.
Less than an hour later the man used a gas bottle and fuel to ignite the ANZ ATM on the outside of the shopping centre's wall.
Det sgt Davies said Regional Investigations Unit detectives were concerned the ATM blast was a "copycat" crime after ATM blasts in both Secret Harbour and Meadow Springs last year.
"The March 24 incident was unusual in so far as the offenders have left the gas bottle at the ATM as they attempted to breach the machine," he said.
"This is a particular concern to us as the presence of the gas bottle significantly increases the danger of what is already quite clearly a dangerous crime."
In December last year, 24-year-old Yangebup man James Egan was acquitted of an involvement in seven ATM blasts across the state.
Prosecutors had alleged Mr Egan, with others, had driven to shopping centres across the state and pumped gas into the ATMs before using an accelerant to ignite the machines.
Det sgt Davies said attacks like the one in Halls Head were rarely successful but posed an enormous risk to the public.
Anyone who can identify the man or men captured on security cameras is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A reward of up to $250,000 is offered by Crime Stoppers for information on arson offences.
The Australian Bankers' Association is offering rewards of up to $50,000 for information on the ATM blasts.
